What Happens To Foster Kids Displaced By Harvey?

A centralized "mega shelter" for Hurricane Harvey evacuees operated by the Austin/Travis County Emergency Operations Center.

Gabriel Cristóver Pérez
/ KUT News

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Over 2,200 minors in the care of Texas' foster care system reside in Harris County – the area most affected by Hurricane Harvey. As a result, 1,200 children were forced to relocate, according to the Texas Department of Family and Protective services.

San Antonio-area service organizations and government entities across the state are teaming up to support foster children, care providers and case workers who have been impacted by the storm and its aftermath.

With the goal of cultivating community-based solutions to issues of child abuse and neglect, the Blue Ribbon Task Force is developing ties with local groups like The Children’s Shelter in San Antonio to provide immediate assistance and aid to displaced youth and families.

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Right after Hurricane Harvey hit Texas, electrician Rocky Breaux, 53, loaded up his airboat in Houma, La., and drove to help rescue people from the swiftly rising floodwaters.

And now that the waters have receded, the ad hoc "Cajun Navy" has gone airborne: Breaux is now helping out with what's being called the "Cajun Airlift." Breaux has his own small plane — a Piper Arrow. When he heard that evacuees at one of Houston's big shelters needed more supplies, he loaded his plane, tanked up, and flew west, with Andy Cook as his co-pilot. "We're locked and loaded," Breaux says.

"We had a parent go by and check on the chickens. They were fine and Wilson the cat was ok too! I know many people are concerned. What a wonderful community we have."

For the staff of Wilson Montessori, a public pre-K-8 school in Houston, the days after Harvey meant tracking down members of the community via text, collecting donations for those in need — and reassuring students about the fate of the school's pets.